Job Information
State of Minnesota Electronic Licensing System (ELS) Business Product Owner - State Prog Admin Coordinator in St. Paul, Minnesota
Working Title: Electronic Licensing System (ELS) Business Product Owner
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 85919
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 05/09/2025
Closing Date : 05/29/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Fish and Wildlife / F&W Administrative Services
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $36.71 - $54.60 / hourly; $76,650 - $114,005 annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MAPE / Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
The DNR is seeking to hire one (1) Electronic Licensing System (ELS) Business Product Owner at our central office in Saint Paul, MN.
The Product Owner is accountable for the development and execution of business objectives for the Electronic Licensing System (ELS) at the Department of Natural Resources. ELS supports critical functions such as hunting and fishing license sales, recreational vehicle license registration and titling, hunter and recreational safety training, and law enforcement activities. This role includes defining the vision and strategy for ELS and working closely with field teams, key customers, and strategic partners to identify and pursue opportunities that align with business goals. The Product Owner will develop and maintain multi-year roadmaps that support the strategic direction of ELS, ensuring alignment with the DNR’s mission and promoting growth in digital recreation services within a secure and modern technology environment.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Own the product vision and strategy for the Electronic Licensing System, including the multi-year strategic roadmap for ongoing development. Ensure the product vision aligns with privacy and data protection standards, safeguarding private and sensitive information throughout the product lifecycle. Lead the communication and collaboration with all stakeholders, ensuring transparency and compliance with data privacy regulations as the product evolves.
Identify internal and external stakeholders, people who engage with or benefit from the Electronic Licensing System, prioritize their needs, and communicate with them throughout product development. Serve as the voice of the product and liaison between business and development teams. Ensure that stakeholder feedback is managed within the strategic roadmap.
Drive planning, requirements, and the development of the strategic roadmap and the accompanying product backlog. Define and maintain the prioritized list of work (product backlog) for the cross-functional product development team and work with the development team to plan the schedule for new or enhanced product functionality.
Partner with the MNIT development team(s) to ensure end user needs are well understood, align with the DNR strategies and goals for the product, and that the product output is aligned with requirements.
Lead product research with other states when needed and measure and report on product status.
Collaborate with the business training staff to ensure timely and effective training is available for new and existing staff. Ensure new releases/development/configuration is appropriately communicated and develop a related training plan.
This position may be eligible to telework up to 50% of the time, which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.
Minimum Qualifications
Four (4) years of experience in product management, business analysis, or a related role within the business side of an organization.
A bachelor's degree in business, technology, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Demonstrated experience in leading work teams, with the ability to motivate system users, foster collaboration, support professional development of others, and drive the successful achievement of organizational goals or objectives.
Experience working with data privacy laws and security of data.
Knowledge of technical aspects of a product, including software architecture, data systems, and integration points with demonstrated knowledge of how these components work together to deliver a cohesive and functional product.
Knowledge of data practice policies and regulations, sufficient to ensure compliance and monitor adherence to appropriate procedures, in handling, storing, and sharing data. (e.g. HIPPA, COPPA)
Skills in utilizing custom-off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions, office technology systems (e.g. MS Office Suite), data management systems, and internet applications sufficient to assemble, analyze, and synthesize information from various data sources to support decision-making and business objectives.
Problem solving and analytical skills sufficient to identify issues as they arise, propose innovative and effective solutions, provide guidance to others, and evaluate implementation of those solutions to ensure desired outcomes.
Communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to effectively present information, collaborate, and build relationships with stakeholders, development teams, and customers to ensure alignment and successful project outcomes.
Human relations skills sufficient to build effective partnerships across organizations, all levels of staff, and with external stakeholders and foster collaboration, build consensus, and facilitate positive working relationships to achieve shared goals.
Organizational skills sufficient to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work effectively within tight deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities and challenges while maintaining high-quality results.
Ability to analyze, identify, and develop program requirements, as well as interpret and translate them into actionable plans.
Preferred Qualifications
Three (3) years of experience as a product manager, having worked on two (2) or more Agile teams.
A bachelor's degree in business, technology, or a related field.
Experience working in a matrixed/cross-functional organization with various partners in business, marketing, technology, and legal.
Experience with Agile methodologies sufficient to lead cross-functional teams, manage product backlogs, facilitate sprint planning, and drive iterative development processes that align with business goals and customer needs.
Experience conducting current state vs. future state mapping and plan development actionable plans for continuous enhancements with the ability to analyze existing processes, identify gaps, and implement strategies for ongoing enhancements that drive efficiency and align with organizational objectives.
Knowledge of user experience (UX) principles and design thinking sufficient to collaborate effectively with design and development trams, create user-centered solutions, and ensure the delivery of intuitive and engaging product experiences that meet user needs and business objectives.
Knowledge of outdoor recreational users sufficient to understand their needs, behaviors, and preferences, enabling the development of targeted programs, products, or services that enhance their outdoor experience and align with industry trends.
Additional Requirements
No driving duties are required.
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position,
with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.